Master in International Economics

The Master in International Economics provides students with a critical understanding of current debates in economics. The programme has a strongly international approach and aims to integrate an understanding of theoretical controversies, historical developments and contemporary policy disputes. It also includes an interdisciplinary component reflecting the importance that social and political institutions play in shaping economic developments.


Key Facts

Faculty Faculty of Business and Economics
Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
Structure Full-time
Start Winter semester (1 October 2010)
Duration 3 semesters (4 semesters for students required to complete a placement)
Accreditation Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA)
Programme Intake 35

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Career Prospects

The Berlin School of Economics and Law (BSEL) awards successful students on this programme the internationally recognised Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. The International Economics programme provides the skills needed to pursue internationally oriented careers with government and non-government organisations as well as with international businesses and international business organisations. The degree is accredited by the international academic ratings agency FIBAA, and is recognised as qualifying graduates to apply for posts in the senior German civil service - in line with the joint guidelines agreed by the Standing Conference of the Interior Ministers of the Länder (Innenministerkonferenz) and the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany (Kultusministerkonferenz).

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Structure

The first semester is built around mandatory courses in, for example, international economics, macroeconomics and development economics. In the second semester students choose from a range of electives. In addition, they all participate in a project seminar focusing in detail on selected contemporary policy issues. The third semester is reserved for researching and preparing the thesis. Teaching is entirely in English, giving students an opportunity to sustainably improve their comprehension and speaking skills in an English context. This approach also reflects the standard requirements for applicants hoping to work in international companies. Classes are conducted in a combined lecture/seminar format where students are expected to play an active part.

Language of Instruction English
Location Berlin
Placement Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree with only 180 credit points (generally corresponding to a 3 year bachelor’s degree) will be required to complete a work experience placement in the third semester worth 30 credit points. Students with a bachelor’s degree worth 210 credit points who have already done supervised work experience on their undergraduate programme may, if they so wish, also take a placement in the third semester.
International Cooperation The BSEL has close contacts to all over the world.

Curriculum

1. Semester
  • Modul 1: International Economics
  • Modul 2: Advanced Macroeconomics
  • Modul 3: Development Economics
  • Modul 4: Global Governance
  • Tutorial seminar
2. Semester
  • Option 1: Econometrics or
    Gender and Globalisation or
    Workers Rights in the Informal Economy
  • Option 2: Regional Integration or
    Institutional Economics
  • Project: Current Issues
    in International Economics
  • Option 3: Political Economy of Modern Capitalism
    (or another Studium Generale option)
  • Tutorial seminar
3. Semester
  • Colloquium
  • Master Thesis

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Admission

Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:

  • Bachelor’s or equivalent degree
  • Academic qualifications meeting the general requirements for admission to a University or University of Applied Sciences, or professional qualifications allowing University admission as specified in § 11 of the Law on Institutions of Higher Education in the State of Berlin (Berliner Hochschulgesetz BerlHG).
  • At least 210 credit points (applicants with 180 European credit points will be required to obtain the additional 30 credit points by completing a placement in the third semester, i.e., the programme will then last four semesters)
  • Excellent English skills equivalent at least to B2 on the CERF (Common European Reference Framework)
  • Evidence specifically of having completed undergraduate courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and International Economics
  • Letter of motivation in English

Admission Restriction

If there are more applicants than places, the programme follows a NC (numerus clausus) procedure.

Application Deadlines

  Summer Semester Winter Semester
Applicants with a degree from a German university - 15.04.–15.06.2010
Applicants with a degree from a university abroad - 15.04.–30.05.2010

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Fees and grants

Tuition fee None
Matriculation Fee € 251.68 per semester (incl. local transport semester ticket)
Grants Students may be able to apply for BaföG (German citizens) or DAAD (non-EU citizens)

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Contact

Study Office

Dagmar Hofmann
Tel. +49 (0)30 85789-425
master@hwr-berlin.de

Student Counselling

Andreas Hirsch-Landau
Tel. +49 (0)30 85789-254
studienberatung@hwr-berlin.de